Aim Higher

Elizabeth L. suggests.....

SINGLES TRAVEL THOUGHTS

These are the random thoughts on traveling alone by a middle-aged, young-at-heart, woman who has had some wonderful times all by herself.

1. If you are going to travel alone, do as much advance preparation as possible to make your adventure more comfortable. PLAN PLAN PLAN

• Research your destination; use materials from your travel agent, from the Web, and from your local library. Study the history of the region, the customs, the language (if it's other than your own native language), the literature and music, and notable sights.
• Have all your travel arrangements finalized before you leave. Make sure you know how you are going to be getting from one place to another. If you are in a foreign country, it is easier to proceed if you have this advance knowledge.
• Take only what you will wear, which is probably half of what you've laid out. This is the time to be ruthless. Nothing is more exhausting than lugging around bags full of things you thought you "might" need. Limit yourself to what you can carry by yourself: a roll-around suitcase, a tote or backpack, and a money belt.

2. Making friends when you are traveling alone is much easier than you think. People seem curious about the solo traveler and will not hesitate to begin speaking to you. Eye contact with others around you and a simple smile is often all the invitation someone needs to speak with you. An honest curiosity about those around you is often welcome. Sometimes hotel personnel will be happy to introduce you to other travelers.

If you are by yourself at a resort or on a cruise, participate in as many fun and game activities as possible. Most resorts and cruise lines have activity coordinators whose job it is to make everyone comfortable and happy. Make sure you get to know them.

3. Safety for the solo traveler is an important issue. Be aware of everything that goes on around you. Walk with confidence and with your head up, eyes panning the surrounding area. If you appear to be in command of yourself, you are less likely to be a victim. Check with locals to see if there are areas you should avoid - either in the daytime or at night. If you are traveling to a foreign country, check with the State Department for any warnings about the country you will be visiting. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times; do not leave your luggage unattended and do not have your wallet in a prominent place where it could be snatched. Don't become paranoid about the situation, but do be alert.

4. Eating alone is often a difficult time. How does one make this enjoyable rather than bearable? While it may sound strange, put all your senses on a higher level of sensitivity. Use your eyes to look around the dining area -- observe every detail and keep your mind occupied by making up a story to go along with every other diner. Use your sniffer to absorb the smells. Savor every bite you take - don't rush your meal, and try to commit the flavors to memory. If you are going to take a book with you or if you gulp down your meal in record time, you might as well have remained in your room with a bunch of crackers and a bottle of fizzy water.

5. Keep a journal of your experiences while traveling alone. It takes some discipline to maintain a journal regularly, but writing daily will also fill some time when you are enroute to a new location or are by yourself. It will also serve as a future reference for place names and sights after you return home and are relating your experiences to others.

6. An advantage of solo travel is that you are flexible. YOU decide where to go and what to do rather than having to compromise with a travel companion. If you are a single traveler on a tour, you still have lots of free time and again, your free time is your own and not a source of argument or contention with whomever you're traveling.

7. Other people will be in awe of you for traveling alone. "How brave you are," they will say. Secretly you know that all it takes is some self-assurance and a curiosity about the world around you to make solo travel an enjoyable experience. Go for it!!!

DeeGee suggests...

I like to check in weekly with a selected person back home to let them know I'm still ok. If they don't hear from me they will have my itinerary and know how to reach me.

L.C. from Scotland reminds us...

"Smile and the world smiles with you" honestly, this is the best way to meet and chat!!!

Paul suggests...

When arriving in a new town, check to see if the local newspaper has a list of activities and if that list contains activities for singles. Ask a librarian about such lists.

S.W. from Canada suggests...

If you become homesick for family and or friends and think you must return home on the next plane, pause, and phone someone from home instead. This may be all you need before you carry on your journey.

RON A. from WINSTON SALEM, NC suggests...

AFTER EXTENSIVE TRAVEL IN THE MILITARY, I LEARNED TO TAKE A $10 OR $20 DOLLAR BILL AND PUT IN MY SHOE FOR EMERGENCIES - THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN A PICKPOCKET CLEANING YOU OUT AND HAVING NOTHING LEFT - OF COURSE, THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT FOREIGN COUNTRIES YOU ARE IN.

Laurianna from NY suggests...

Make "friends" with the local tour operator or tour guide. Many local hotels have "booths" set up to sign up for tours and day trips. They are used to "tourists" and usually speak your language. They are also local so they will be able to recommend great SAFE places to eat and see that will really help you get to know the people and place where you are. I still email "my" tour guide Jose, and he is helping me plan my next trip to Costa Rica.

Craig from Oz suggests...

If you are American do not be the obnoxious traveler that your compatriots are. We met a wonderful aray of travelers throughout the Middle East but by far the most anoying and rude where the American tourists. Loud exclamations of how this new place is not 'like America' and the 'toilets (or johns) are different' and how the 'locals are ignorant' will NOT endear you to the people in the country or the other tourists that travel there.

If you must be like this please stay at home.

DJ from NJ suggests...

Be willing to try something new, whether it's a local dish at dinner, or an activity you have yet to try-like circus school at club med. You will have a memorable experience hopefully.

Manuel Tezza suggests...

When driving to your destination, make sure not to drop below half a tank at all times, you don't know where the next gas station or how bad traffic is. Also, bring something to snack and sip on while driving. Good Luck

LM in Ohio writes...

I'm a single female on a budget and love to camp. My 'perfect' vacation is to head west until I'm halfway out of money and then turn around! By taking advantage of State and National parks, I can usually camp for $15 or less per night, pay with an out-of-state check, and therefore carry less cash. I've also found several towns (mostly in the western US) that will let travelers camp in their city parks or fairgrounds for little or nothing per night.

In ten years, I've met some wonderful people and have never had a bad experience, however I still split up my cash and stash it in various places in the car and only take my daily ration and one credit card with me when I'm being a 'tourist'. Another cost-saver is to stay off the major highways. Most interstates parallel the older, secondary route they replaced. You'll see a lot more sights, meet a lot of nice people, and not pay the highway prices for food and fuel. Some of the favorite places I've seen came from tips of waitresses and gas station attendants! Happy travelling!

Tina from Puerto Rico writes...

Be willing to try the local dishes! I've noticed that many travellers tend to want fast foods when away from home. Unfortunately, on my Island the fast food companies have taken advantage of this and they are all over the place. Ask the hotel admn, or store keepers for restaurants with local food and.. GO FOR IT!

Mary M. from Cincinnati suggests...

I've found traveling to small places alone is particularly nice - like an island like St. John, USVI. After the first couple of days and a day-long charter boat trip around the neighboring islands, I was running into people I'd met all over the island. Many insisted I join them to eat and have a nice chat, and the whole experience was great. I did, however, have to answer all those "how can you travel alone" questions. I just explained that I'd been there the year before with a boyfriend (by that time ex-boyfriend), and I had a better time by myself!